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Sophie Cunningham Adds USA Network Role as She Debuts in SI Swimsuit

The move reflects a new media era that is opening on-air roles for active WNBA players.

Overview

  • Sophie Cunningham announced Wednesday she will serve as a studio contributor for USA Network’s 2026 WNBA coverage, appearing as her playing schedule allows.
  • Sports Illustrated released behind-the-scenes video Wednesday confirming Cunningham’s first SI Swimsuit appearance, with the 2026 issue due out in May after a shoot at South Seas Resort on Captiva Island, Florida.
  • Cunningham called the SI experience “one of the most empowering” things she has done, joining fellow athletes Napheesa Collier and sprinter Melissa Jefferson-Wooden in the athlete shoot.
  • The guard remains an unrestricted free agent after a torn MCL ended her 2025 season with Indiana in August, and she says she plans to keep playing while taking on broadcast work.
  • Her USA Network role comes under the league’s new 11-year rights deal that starts this season and includes at least 50 regular-season telecasts, which is expanding studio and analyst opportunities for current players.